Chicken Empanadas Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 02, 2025

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Chicken Empanadas Recipe: A Savory Delight

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? This recipe will guide you through making delicious, savory chicken empanadas, perfect for a party, a casual dinner, or a satisfying snack. These golden-brown pastries are filled with a flavorful chicken mixture and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 12 empanadas. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
• ½ cup ice water

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper
• ½ cup chopped black olives
• ½ cup chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Dough:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

Preparing the Chicken Filling:

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken and vegetables: Stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, black olives, and green onions.
3. Season the filling: Add the cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Let the filling cool completely before assembling the empanadas.

Assembling and Baking the Empanadas:

1. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛ inch thickness.
2. Cut out circles: Use a 4-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
3. Fill the empanadas: Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges with a fork to seal.
5. Bake: Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your chicken empanadas warm, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri, aioli, or even a simple salsa. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your empanadas will taste.
• Don't overfill: Overfilling can cause the empanadas to burst during baking.
• Chill the dough thoroughly: This is crucial for preventing shrinkage and ensuring flaky pastry.
• Get creative with fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as beef, cheese, or vegetables.

This chicken empanada recipe is your ticket to creating a delicious and memorable dish. Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying these savory pastries in no time! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy baking!